Farmer and Worker Groups Plan Nationwide Protests Against Government Policies
A joint convention of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and Central Trade Unions (CTUs) held in New Delhi on Wednesday decided to intensify protests against the central government's labour and farm policies. The convention, the second of its kind since August 2023, also expressed solidarity with students and youth agitating against the National Education Policy, 2020.
The meeting adopted a resolution stating that the country faces deep economic, political, social and cultural crises, and accused the government of pursuing policies that benefit large corporations while increasing inequalities. The resolution called for coordinated joint programmes between workers and farmers.
Regarding labour reforms, the convention noted that despite six general strikes in recent years, the government notified four Labour Codes and their Rules. The statement claimed these codes make union registration and recognition more difficult while making de-registration and de-recognition easier, and legalise employer violations.
The convention also criticised proposed trade deals with the United States, the European Union, and other countries, arguing they would harm India's agricultural sector and micro, small and medium enterprises. The right of farmers over seeds and agricultural innovations was also said to be undermined.
On the National Education Policy, the meeting said it has led to a problematic examination system for professional courses and recruitment, agitating students and youth. It cited unprecedented unemployment and unfilled government posts, accusing the government of surrendering sanctioned posts as seen in recent railway notifications.
The convention demanded the repeal of the Labour Codes and legalisation of minimum support price based on the M.S. Swaminathan Commission formula. Other demands included modernising agriculture through producer cooperatives and agro-based industries in the public and cooperative sectors, and stopping privatisation, disinvestment, and the National Monetisation Pipeline.
